Treating back pain with integrative therapy

Back pain. Many of us have experienced it at some point in our lifetime. We all hope it will be a short-lived, one-time deal.

According to the journal, American Family Physician, most people experience their first episode of back pain between the ages of 21 and 40. Unfortunately, people who have had one episode of back pain are more likely to experience another bout.

Although most episodes resolve with time, waiting for resolution can be agony. Integrative medicine, which combines both evidenced-based and alternative medicine, recommends therapies that may speed the recovery and prevent recurrence of back pain.

Anti-inflammatory medications, including ibuprofen and naproxen

Exercise/core strengthening, especially yoga

Avoid bed rest

Osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT)

Acupuncture

Maintaining a healthy weight

Hopefully you never experience back pain, but if you do have your pain evaluated by your physician and consider the above options for treatment.

Integrative medicine at Community

Dr. Potrzebowski is experienced in osteopathic manipulative treatment and acupuncture for various ailments, including back pain. To learn more about her integrative medicine treatments and services, visit her physician profile.